Scale: 1:12. A contemporary full hull model of a galley (circa 1880), used as a ship's boat for the 'Iron Duke' (1870). The model is built plank on frame in clinker fashion and is fitted with thwarts and oars, the whole of which is mounted in an original display case.

The galley was a long, lightly built boat generally introduced into the Royal Navy to help in the suppression of smuggling where a light and fast boat was a necessity. During the later part of the 19th century, they were allocated to senior naval officers such as captains and admirals as a fast and convenient way of travelling between ships in the fleet or to and from the shore. This particular model represents the galley issued to Admiral Coates, who was Commander-in-Chief of the China Station, 1878–80, aboard HMS ‘Iron Duke’.